Republic of the Philippines

DILG to LGUs: Step Up Health Protection During Rainy Season The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all local government units (LGUs) to intensify health protection measures this rainy season, as communities face heightened risks of water-borne illnesses, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue (WILD). In Memorandum Circular No. 2025-074, the DILG enjoined LGUs to fully implement the guidelines on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for Health (DRRM-H) and support the Department of Health (DOH) in rolling out preventive strategies against these diseases, which historically surge during the wet months. “Ngayong tag-ulan, mas nagiging mahina ang ating mga komunidad laban sa sakit. Kailangan ng mabilis at maayos na aksyon mula sa LGUs para matiyak na ligtas ang ating mga kababayan,” the Department stressed. Under the directive, LGUs must strengthen disease surveillance and control systems; secure safe water and sanitation; ensure continuous access to health services and emergency supplies; and activate their Emergency Operations Centers, Inter-agency Coordinating Cells, and local DRRM Councils for swift and coordinated response. In partnership with the DOH, LGUs are also expected to roll out “Kalusugan sa Tag-Ulan” information materials, conduct intensive IEC campaigns, and mobilize barangay-level Solid Waste Management Committees under the KALINISAN sa Bagong Pilipinas initiative to sustain community clean-up operations and promote ecological health. The DILG reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the DOH in safeguarding Filipino families from the dangers of WILD diseases and in promoting long-term, community-based health and environmental resilience. ### “These measures are not just preventive, they are part of the Marcos administration’s vision of a healthy, empowered, and disaster-resilient Bagong Pilipinas,” the Department added. ###

DILG Urges LGUs Anew to Strengthen Implementation of Anti-Rabies Law Amid Continuing Public Health Risk The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterates its call for local government units to intensify rabies prevention and control measures in accordance with Republic Act No. 9482  or The Anti-Rabies Act of 2007. The DILG’s advisory came after the Department of Health (DOH) warned against complacency, stressing that rabies can be fatal and can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or saliva of infected animals, including both domestic pets and strays.  The DOH said that while recent data showed a downward trend — 211 rabies cases nationwide from January 1 to August 2, 2025 compared to 266 cases recorded during the same period in 2024 — LGUs and the public should not let their guards down. The DILG said RA 9482 states the specific responsibilities of LGUs, including the appointment of veterinarians and establishment of a veterinary office in all provinces, cities, and first-class municipalities, and the designation of Municipal Agriculturists in 2nd to 5th class municipalities for rabies control.  LGUs are also expected to enact ordinances and allocate funds to support the  National Rabies Prevention and Control Program, which should include the regulation of unsafe traditional treatments such as tandok. Local governments are also urged to undertake the following activities:  mass dog vaccination, registration, and control of stray animals; establishment and maintenance of dog pounds individually or jointly with other LGUs or private facilities; enforcement of responsible pet ownership and prohibition of dog trading; posting of rabies-related information in pet shops, among others. This initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to bolster public health initiatives at the community level and enforce responsible governance in managing preventable diseases. ###

  DILG holds Infrastructure Governance Blueprints to boost stakeholder partnerships in infra devt  In a move to align infrastructure development with good governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday gathered key stakeholders from various sectors for the conduct of the Infrastructure Governance Blueprints at The Richmond Hotel in Quezon City.  Organized by the DILG Office of Project Development Services (OPDS), the Infrastructure Governance Blueprints offers a platform to connect national priorities with local action, and to showcase emerging approaches to strengthen the way infrastructure is planned, delivered, and sustained at the local level. In his keynote speech, DILG Undersecretary for Operations Atty. Omar Alexander V. Romero stressed that effective governance requires collaboration across sectors, not just within government.  “The Infrastructure Governance Blueprints set the new foundation for the standards in local governance that are participatory, innovative, and people-centered. It is through these partnerships that we create better systems, better lives for our people,” Romero said. The featured blueprints include the Third-Party Monitoring for local infrastructure projects, Local Roads and Bridges Inventory, Empowering Local Engineering Expertise with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Accreditation, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, Resource Compass, Subaybayani Awards, Infrastructure Audit, among others.  DILG OPDS Director Alfonso A. Maralli, Jr. explained the importance of these blueprints in helping the  government understand infrastructure gaps in terms of potable water supply, road networks, and disaster risk reduction infrastructures to ensure that no community is left behind.  Organizations like the World Bank,  United Nations Children’s Fund, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, and other national government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Office of Civil Defense, and other development partners backed the initiative.  Meanwhile, DILG Regional Offices affirmed their commitment  to ensure that infrastructure governance blueprints become “the foundation of sustainable development and human dignity.” Participants likewise inked their commitment to the United by One Blueprint pledge for a Philippines where communities have reliable roads, water systems, public facilities and public spaces for the people. ###

  DILG holds Infrastructure Governance Blueprints to boost stakeholder partnerships in infra devt  In a move to align infrastructure development with good governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday gathered key stakeholders from various sectors for the conduct of the Infrastructure Governance Blueprints at The Richmond Hotel in Quezon City.  Organized by the DILG Office of Project Development Services (OPDS), the Infrastructure Governance Blueprints offers a platform to connect national priorities with local action, and to showcase emerging approaches to strengthen the way infrastructure is planned, delivered, and sustained at the local level. In his keynote speech, DILG Undersecretary for Operations Atty. Omar Alexander V. Romero stressed that effective governance requires collaboration across sectors, not just within government.  “The Infrastructure Governance Blueprints set the new foundation for the standards in local governance that are participatory, innovative, and people-centered. It is through these partnerships that we create better systems, better lives for our people,” Romero said. The featured blueprints include the Third-Party Monitoring for local infrastructure projects, Local Roads and Bridges Inventory, Empowering Local Engineering Expertise with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Accreditation, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, Resource Compass, Subaybayani Awards, Infrastructure Audit, among others.  DILG OPDS Director Alfonso A. Maralli, Jr. explained the importance of these blueprints in helping the  government understand infrastructure gaps in terms of potable water supply, road networks, and disaster risk reduction infrastructures to ensure that no community is left behind.  Organizations like the World Bank,  United Nations Children’s Fund, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, and other national government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Office of Civil Defense, and other development partners backed the initiative.  Meanwhile, DILG Regional Offices affirmed their commitment  to ensure that infrastructure governance blueprints become “the foundation of sustainable development and human dignity.” Participants likewise inked their commitment to the United by One Blueprint pledge for a Philippines where communities have reliable roads, water systems, public facilities and public spaces for the people. ###

DILG Strengthens BFP Reforms on Procurement and Hiring to Promote Transparency Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced key reforms in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), including a significant reduction in the procurement cost of firetrucks and a crackdown on corruption in recruitment and procurement processes. “Kung dati ₱15 milyon ang isang firetruck, ginawa po nating ₱13 milyon na lang. Sinabihan ko ang lahat ng supplier at ang Bids and Awards Committee ng BFP – ‘Tanggalin niyo ang patong sa lahat ng inyong kontrata. Walang tatanggap habang ako’y Kalihim,’” he said during the commemoration of the 147th birth anniversary of President Manuel L. Quezon, held at the Capitol Compound in Lucena City. Remulla emphasized such reforms align with President Marcos’ strong push for transparency and accountability in government procurement. “Lahat ng sinasabi ng Pangulo, to the letter, sinusunod po namin,” he added. He warned that anyone involved in padding contracts or demanding bribes, especially in the BFP, will be held accountable. “Kung may marinig po kayo na humihingi ng lagay para makapasok sa BFP, i-report niyo agad sa akin o kay Governor – pupuntahan ko agad ang responsable at tatanggalin natin sila,” he stressed. He confirmed that investigations are already underway into the agency’s recruitment policies and procurement practices. Remulla also highlighted the upcoming nationwide rollout of the Unified 911 system, including Quezon province. He emphasized the need for more emergency vehicles and pledged to coordinate with local governments to procure them. He also praised Quezon province’s development, citing its insurgency-free status, electoral unity, infrastructure growth, and economic potential as proof that lasting development is within reach.###

DILG, NAPC release guidelines for the formulation of local poverty reduction action plans, a strong push towards single-digit poverty by 2028 In pursuit of the government’s commitment to fighting poverty, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) have issued a joint memorandum circular (JMC) outlining policy guidelines for the formulation of Local Poverty Reduction Action Plans (LPRAP) in all provinces, cities and municipalities across the country. The JMC, signed by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and NAPC Secretary Lope Santos III, supports President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s goal of achieving a single-digit poverty incidence by 2028, in accordance with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. Further, it lays the foundation for achieving the goals of AmBisyon Natin 2040 or poverty eradication by 2040. “The DILG fully supports the implementation of this JMC. Through this policy, we are institutionalizing a bottom-up approach that ensures the voices of the poor and marginalized are heard and reflected in local planning. This is effective governance in action, where every sector plays a role in building a more equitable Bagong Pilipinas,” DILG Secretary Remulla said. “This is an important step forward in our fight against poverty. We are grateful to our partners in the DILG, as well as the LGUs, agencies, and the basic sectors, for their continued support and dedication in ensuring that the rights of the poor are protected and upheld. The LPRAPs will surely be important tools in ensuring that the local development plans of the LGUs are aligned and synergized with the national plan for the efficient and targeted use of government resources,” said NAPC Secretary Santos III. Under the JMC, local government units (LGUs) are tasked to formulate LPRAPs through Local Poverty Reduction Action Committees (LPRACs) –  multi-sectoral bodies composed of 24 members representing both the government and the basic sectors or civil society organizations (BS/CSOs). LPRAPs are LGU plans containing poverty-reduction programs and projects developed through consultations among national government agencies, LGUs, the basic sectors, and other stakeholders to ensure the plans are responsive, timely, and effective. These plans also serve as the building blocks of the National Poverty Reduction Plan (NPRP), which consolidates all anti-poverty initiatives of the government. Both the NPRP and LPRAPs are designed to meet the needs of poor, marginalized, and underserved communities in line with Magna Carta of the Poor (MCP) and Republic Act No. 11291. The MCP guarantees the five fundamental rights of the poor: adequate food, decent work, relevant and quality education, adequate housing, and the highest attainable standard of health. These rights serve as the foundation for government anti-poverty programs aimed at breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty.  According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, poverty incidence dropped from 18.1 percent in 2021 to 15.5 percent in 2023 after just 1.5 years into President Marcos’ administration . The JMC is a crucial step towards realizing the aspiration of a Bagong Pilipinas where no Filipino — especially the poor and marginalized — is left behind. ###

DILG Orders LGUs: Strengthen Local Action Against Dengue The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a strong directive to all local government units (LGUs) to intensify their dengue prevention and control measures, especially in the aftermath of recent typhoons and flooding that have left many communities vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases. According to the agency, this renewed push is in line with the marching orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for government agencies and LGUs to strengthen community protection and control measures against dengue. “Ngayong panahon ng baha at bagyo, mas lalong nagiging delikado ang ating mga komunidad sa dengue. Ang simpleng stagnant water, gulong, o container ay maaaring maging pugad ng lamok. Kaya’t mahalaga ang sama-samang aksyon ng barangay at komunidad upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga pamilya,” the Department emphasized. Through Memorandum Circular 2025-011, LGUs were instructed to roll out intensified community-wide interventions. These include clean-up drives focused on eliminating mosquito breeding sites, search-and-destroy operations to remove stagnant water and containers in households and public spaces, and regular declogging of canals and drainage systems to prevent water pooling and flooding. The circular also urged local governments to integrate dengue prevention into their disaster response activities, given that flooding after typhoons creates conditions where mosquitoes thrive. Communities were reminded that the fight against dengue cannot be left to government alone. “Ang laban kontra dengue ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng pamahalaan, kundi ng bawat isa sa atin. Kapag naglinis ang barangay, maglinis din ang bawat tahanan. Kapag nagtulungan, mas ligtas ang lahat.” To support these efforts, LGUs must allocate sufficient financial and logistical resources for vector control. This includes the procurement of larvicides and insecticides, and the mobilization of barangay health workers and volunteers to carry out outreach and information campaigns. Families are encouraged to cooperate by keeping their surroundings clean and immediately seeking medical attention if dengue symptoms appear. ###

DILG: ASEAN Guideline Affirms Non-Punishment Principle to Protect Victims of Trafficking in Persons The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced today that the recently released ASEAN Guideline on the Implementation of the Non-Punishment Principle affirms a key protection for victims of human trafficking—recognizing that trafficked persons should not be penalized for unlawful acts committed as a direct consequence of their trafficking experience. The guideline explains that victims of human trafficking shouldn’t be blamed or punished for illegal things they were forced to do because of their situation. If they broke the law because they were trafficked, they shouldn’t face criminal or administrative charges. According to the DILG, the release of the guideline marks a proud moment for the Philippine government, which demonstrated strong leadership as the Country Lead Shepherd for the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) priority area. It is also a milestone for the DILG, which served as the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC)-Philippines and the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC)-Philippines lead. Through the DILG, SOMTC-Philippines held extensive consultations with other ASEAN Member States, in collaboration with the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), to craft the guideline aimed at preventing further persecution of trafficking victims. Officially launched and published in June 2025, the ASEAN Guideline institutionalizes the principle of non-penalization for trafficked persons who commit unlawful acts as a result of their exploitation. Even though the guideline isn’t a law, it reminds ASEAN countries that they still have a responsibility to follow this principle and protect trafficking victims, based on their own laws and international rules. DILG Undersecretary and SOMTC-Leader Philippines Nestor Sanares emphasized the need for a human rights-based approach in addressing human trafficking. “Victims of trafficking often endure severe exploitation, and it is our duty to ensure that they receive protection rather than prosecution,” he stated in the published guideline. Emerging forms of trafficking continue to evolve, with trends such as Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), forced criminality in scam hubs, cross-border trafficking, and surrogacy-related exploitation posing new challenges. As the Philippines prepares to host the upcoming ASEAN SOMTC consultations, the government—through the DILG—reiterates its commitment to fostering a responsive and compassionate ASEAN region in the fight against trafficking in persons. ###